^^ Get over it mate. Some people have lots of money, others don't. It's called real life.

Bond has massively improved its reputation lately and has some very good degree programs running. It's becoming especially highly regarded in medicine.

BAHAHAHA, maybe in india.

LOL Bond University
money isnt a problem for them, all these rich kids' dads are willing to pay for it

don't be a bigot. mum's too.

I'm over it ages ago
If you have money, you get a better education
if you dont, tough luck dude try again next year
Bond has hex fare now right?

well thats a pretty broads generalisation, i know a couple of people who are studying there at the moment, they are in there mid-30's and are paying for it with there own savings

Thought I might post this article here as well because not many people venture into the sub-forums...


Courtesy of Brisbane Marketing...


Precision announces $20 million refurbishment of MacArthur Central retail complex
Private Sydney investor Precision Group has announced that it will embark on a major $20 million upgrade of MacArthur Central Shopping Centre in Brisbane’s CBD.

A key component of the works program will include a repositioning of the Centre’s heritage MacArthur Chambers space into a high-end retail precinct called “MacArthur on Queen”.

At the same time, Precision has negotiated a new lease with anchor tenant Woolworths to undertake a 50% expansion of its current 2,000 square metre store to a full, 3,000 square metre outlet, making it one of the first full line supermarkets in any Australian CBD location.

In another significant coup for the Centre, Australia’s largest home entertainment retailer, JB Hi-Fi, has also been secured as a major new tenant to anchor the food court level. At the same time, the food court will be refurbished, extended and provided with a new escalator access directly off Queen Street.

Precision’s Chief Executive Officer Shaun Bonett said the new leases, refurbishment and strategic repositioning of the 15,000 square metre MacArthur Central complex responded to the changing demographic profile of Brisbane’s CBD, which was experiencing a rising number of inner-city residents.

“To have negotiated and agreed new leases with both Woolworths and JB Hi-Fi, accounting for a total of 3,800 square metres, in just three months, is an outstanding outcome for our business in the current market,” he said.

Precision acquired the shopping centre for $119.5 million in May 2006 as part of an ingenious property swap, which involved Precision selling its office building at 160 Ann Street Brisbane to Investa for $68 million, as part of the deal.

MacArthur Central, which is 98 percent occupied, is currently anchored by Woolworths and Big W, together with 42 specialty shops. The historic MacArthur Chambers space is currently temporarily occupied by established local Brisbane retailer Book Stars on a short-term arrangement, pending the site refurbishment.

Speaking of the changes about to be made in the Centre, Mr Bonett said, “The program of works in MacArthur on Queen will allow us to maximise the potential of arguably Brisbane’s and one of Australia’s, most strategic retail sites. It offers international and national retailers the opportunity to position themselves in a truly unique and iconic building, in the very heart of the Brisbane CBD.”

The Woolworths’ expansion will include a move into space currently occupied by Crazy Clarks and Millers Fashion stores. Woolworths, which has agreed a new 20-year lease with options, will continue trading in the Centre while extensions are completed and before its new store opens in mid 2010.

JB Hi-Fi is a new entrant into the Centre and will occupy a purpose-created, 800 square metre tenancy, directly overlooking Queen Street. They have also made a long-term commitment to the Centre, having signed a new 10-year lease. Fit-out works for this store are already underway, with the new outlet to be open and trading before Christmas.

Mr Bonett confirmed that 2010 will see the refurbishment program commenced to restore the historic MacArthur Chambers space. Originally built in 1931 as the AMP Society Headquarters for Queensland, the building was subsequently renamed after Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who used it as his headquarters to command the Allied Forces Pacific Fleet, during World War 2.

“When we purchased MacArthur Central in 2006 we saw a fantastic opportunity to enhance the international profile of the retail component of this truly iconic Brisbane heritage building. We are committed to doing this in a manner which restores the grandeur of the AMP Banking hall to its former glory. We see this as a significant milestone not only for the building, but also for international brand retailing in the Brisbane CBD.

“Our ability to embark on a project of this magnitude is evidence of the financial strength of the Precision Group and the astute property skills of our people.”

Mr Bonett said that the investment in the MacArthur on Queen works program demonstrated Precision’s counter-cyclical investment strategy and its ability and commitment to successfully address more complicated retail projects.

“Precision uses a long-term strategic approach in the ownership and management of its assets. We take pride in our ability to increase the value of our properties and at the same time, we always remain committed to developing iconic pieces of real estate,” he said.

During the past decade, Precision Group has established an investment and development portfolio totalling approximately $1 billion, with properties in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Along with MacArthur Central, Precision’s Brisbane property investments include the commercial office building at 144 Edward Street and the Victory Hotel which has recently been completely refurbished.




------
Bring on any combination of Prada, Gucci, Armani and Chanel + a couple of Aussie designers new to Brisbane

Oh dang, there goes my quiet little lunch spot! Compared to other eateries, I always found MacArthur Chambers Food Court that tad quieter and less busy, the two very things the owners don't want!!

Also my hubby was telling me about the renovations happening there a couple of weeks ago to do with the escalators, unfortunately he didn't take any photos to share!

The eggs-act shape of Brisbane's future
TONY MOORE
October 24, 2009 - 5:30AM
Article (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/the-eggsact-shape-of-brisbanes-future-20091023-hd05.html)

The Brisbane of the future will be more "omelette" than "poached egg", according to Southbank CEO Malcolm Snow, amid predictions our population will grow to four million by 2049.

Federal Treasury yesterday predicted Brisbane's population would grow by 106 per cent to four million in the next four decades.

But where are all these people going to go, and how will a Brisbane of four million people look?

"A good visual analogy pops into my mind. Less like a poached egg and more like an omelette," Mr Snow summarised.

"We are moving from this city which has this rich `middle bit' - where the yellow yolk represents the CBD with this bland white bit around the edge - to a city which hopefully has planning policies that State and City are pursuing where will really end up with a much richer, more interesting urban fabric."

Hence the Brisbane omelette.

Mr Snow is on the Urban Futures Board for managing Brisbane's growth and before joining the South Bank Corporation was Head of Design for the City of Melbourne.

Under Mr Snow's ideal future, Brisbane's facilities would be provided throughout the city and not just concentrated in the heart.

"We are going to see a transformation in place to drive urban consolidation," Mr Snow said.

"We want a denser city and lots of cities around the new world are trying to do that.

"But we can no longer sustain an urban form, when you reach four million people, that is having people coming into the centre to work and coming out of the centre."

For Mr Snow - who was of the inaugural recipients of the Australian Award for Urban Design - Brisbane needs to provide more choices outside the CBD.

"More choices in the way we work and in the way we live."

Currently the State Government's own Planning and Forecasting Unit estimates Brisbane's population will reach just 1,275,460 by 2031, however Professor Henry's estimate was for Greater Brisbane which includes the growing cities of Ipswich, Logan and Redlands as well as Moreton Bay.

Planners refer to it as "Greater Brisbane" because it takes into account the cross-pollination of services in and out of the Brisbane city area.

"The government has long recognised the pressures we face from population growth, particularly in the south-east corner of the state," Mr Fraser said.

"That's why weve put in place the SEQ Regional Plan and we're investing in an $18.2 billion infrastructure program, the nation's biggest."

South Brisbane boom a sign of things to come for city
TONY MOORE
October 24, 2009 - 5:32AM
Article (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/south-brisbane-boom-a-sign-of-things-to-come-for-city-20091023-hd8d.html)

Brisbane City Council has been asked by the State Government to fit an extra 25,000 residents over 20 years into South Brisbane.

The largely commercial and industrial area had about 5100 residents in 2006.

South Brisbane is among a number of inner-city suburbs under Brisbane's neighbourhood planning spotlight.

The area stretches from the South Bank and the Gallery of Modern Art back towards residential West End.

At this stage a draft renewal strategy has been released and comment is being sought from the local residents, some of whom feel frustrated that "development" means high-rise development.

According to Brisbane City Council, the inner-city site is desirable for businesses and for residents and they predict 25,000 new residents will want to live there by 2031.

"So far the draft renewal strategy for South Brisbane indicates 25,500 new residents and 55,000 new employees, with a retail component of about 8500, and all that goes out to 2031," a spokesman said.

That is because most of the extra population in Brisbane itself has to be found through "infill and redevelopment" of the existing urban areas.

The population of South-East Queensland is predicted to jump towards 4.4 million by 2031.

As a Brisbane City Council spokesman said: "This `infill and redevelopment of existing urban areas' line means the State does not want urban sprawl.

"Instead they want us to find areas for the development to occur largely within out current footprint, which could involve rezoning, demolition or building upwards."

In May last year Brisbane City Council voted to support increasing building heights in South Brisbane, Kurilpa, West End, Woolloongabba and Fortitude Valley, after amendments from the Labor opposition.

West End Community Association (WECA) will on Saturday morning release the full report into the South Brisbane Riverside Plan, which has been leaked to them.

Council says the community had the opportunity to view the suggestions in August and will now receive advice from the State Government before it comes back to the community.

But WECA president Darren Godwell says the full report should always have been available on Brisbane City Council's website to allow residents detailed information about their suburb.

"They sent out a 30-page summary instead of a 300-page, two-volume detailed document so the community is not clear about anything in this local plan," Mr Godwell said.

Asked if he thought most people would rather read a 30-page summary, he said the Council should be transparent.

"I think if you are going to go with the principle of transparency then it should be available on their website, so you can identity your neighbourhood and each of the precincts and what protections are put in place to accommodate an extra 25,000 people."

WECA will release the full document at 10am in West End on Saturday.

To see the new South Brisbane and West End Riverside Plan, see here (http://www.westendcommunity.org.au/).

URGH... Did you have to send me to that site? WECA make me not want to live.

Another community "save West End" action plan is happening next week. Can we start a campaign against these guys??? They utter hypocrites - they preach all the good things about urban development, services, mass transit and vibrancy but set up an entire organisation to say "NOT IN OUR BACK YARD!"

Seriously - everyone join me in sending them emails to express the fact you're so sick of them you wish they'd die (a little more diplomacy is recommended, though optional).

^
aww.....so long as they've bathed recently they can really be quite cuddly.

as i've stated previously, their concerns are not entirely baseless.

^^ agree
I walked around West End few days ago
that place got alot of character that a normal Brisbane suburb dont have
then again, the location is close to the city i guess that is why it has developed the culture
Cupcake Parlour is the best!

Old TAFE/New park at Kangaroo Point

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/5215/pa250057.jpg (http://img195.imageshack.us/i/pa250057.jpg/)

^^ thanks for that update pic... Now if only that old Hospital in the far there would be recladded or better still demolished and modernised... It is private though isn't it? I doubt anything major will happen to the main bldg for sometime. :(

delete

URGH... Did you have to send me to that site? WECA make me not want to live.

Another community "save West End" action plan is happening next week. Can we start a campaign against these guys??? They utter hypocrites - they preach all the good things about urban development, services, mass transit and vibrancy but set up an entire organisation to say "NOT IN OUR BACK YARD!"

Seriously - everyone join me in sending them emails to express the fact you're so sick of them you wish they'd die (a little more diplomacy is recommended, though optional).

I'm with you :bash:

^ Me too, and I live in West End

a little random but anyone notice how they shot that new honda civic ad in Brisbane if you look at it closely the car is driving on the riverside expressway and also through the ICB tunnel and then also at the roundabout at GOMA :-p hehe :)

a little random but anyone notice how they shot that new honda civic ad in Brisbane if you look at it closely the car is driving on the riverside expressway and also through the ICB tunnel and then also at the roundabout at GOMA :-p hehe :)



That sounds like a Samsung ad I saw in Spain two weeks ago. It was in a Harvey Norman style store shop front promoting Samsung cameras, but with the Brisbane skyline from the 1990's. I just loved seeing a cardboard Waterfront Place in the middle of a Barcelona shop window....

Riverside expressway is frequently used in Car ads.. the best was the Mazda 3.

probably cos its a ghost freeway after 11pm so they can shoot whatever they like freely but still loving seeing Brissie in commercials.

Book Stars occupying the MacArthur Chambers site once occupied by Dymocks. Are they the discount booksellers??? If so they are a joke.

^^
They are sort of a clearance store. But I agree, they are a joke.

Can't wait to see what is in store for 'Macarthur on Queen,' hopefully we get some info next year

Book Stars occupying the MacArthur Chambers site once occupied by Dymocks. Are they the discount booksellers??? If so they are a joke.

yes, they are there. but i'm not sure why they are a joke?

Well for starters, their prices are extremely expensive...

And totally inappropriate for the building they are in. Put that trash down at Roma Street if you must. Keep the retail in buildings like MacArthur top of the line.

Thinking about it, imagine something like an Apple store there? Or do they insist on being in a building with their trademark glass tube facade?

^^
Well the store on Regent Street in London doesn't have a glass cube facade. It's in an historic building.

My guess is we will see 4 or so smaller stores...Prada and Gucci were rumoured to be scouting the city for stores last year, Hermes and Emporio Armani have mentioned that they are looking into the Brisbane market.

Plus a couple of Aussie designers have (apparently) shown interest in the concept.

^^
Well the store on Regent Street in London doesn't have a glass cube facade. It's in an historic building.

My guess is we will see 4 or so smaller stores...Prada and Gucci were rumoured to be scouting the city for stores last year, Hermes and Emporio Armani have mentioned that they are looking into the Brisbane market.

Plus a couple of Aussie designers have (apparently) shown interest in the concept.

A freind of mine said Chanel was opening a store in Brisbane. They've had one in GC for years now, as have Hermes, Gucci and Prada. In fact when I see those brands I think - Gold Coast.

And totally inappropriate for the building they are in. Put that trash down at Roma Street if you must. Keep the retail in buildings like MacArthur top of the line.

I'm pretty sure that they are on a short term lease.
Once the upgrade of that shopping centre is complete I imagine that he owners will be aiming for upmarket retailers for that corner spot.

A freind of mine said Chanel was opening a store in Brisbane. They've had one in GC for years now, as have Hermes, Gucci and Prada. In fact when I see those brands I think - Gold Coast.

That's interesting.

But there is no proper Chanel store on the Gold Coast...
There is one Chanel store on Castlereagh Street, Sydney; one at Westfield Bondi Junction; one on Collins Street, Melbourne; and another opening this month at Chadstone

That's interesting.

But there is no proper Chanel store on the Gold Coast...
There is one Chanel store on Castlereagh Street, Sydney; one at Westfield Bondi Junction; one on Collins Street, Melbourne; and another opening this month at Chadstone

Well I got it from a woman who always buys chanel - she was quite excited as you can imagine.

Well that makes sense having Prada, Armani etc in there. They have have several in the one building all open plan, with each shop seperated by 3/4 meter glass walls, similiar to the absooutely gorgeous old building downin Melbourne that the Lindt store is in. That is what I want to see in MacArthur, nothing less to be honest.

Welcome to the Valley, Australia's scariest Saturday night

KATHERINE FEENEY
November 5, 2009 - 6:09AM

Wade Boyes has been working doors in Fortitude Valley for 17 years. He's seen a lot of things in that time, but nothing to match the current levels of antagonism.

So bad has the violence become, Boyes says Brisbane can now lay claim to having the worst strip in Australia come Saturday night.

"The big crimes with guns and gangs may be more prevalent down in Sydney," he says, "but the aggressive behaviour is definitely home to the Valley.

"Every weekend you go out, you'll find the place like a mini-schoolies. There are so many young and underage kids walking the street and getting into grief.

"And these young kids have a hero complex. They think they're invincible, and they just don't care whether they king hit you or glass you in the face."

The pub bosses, club owners and long-time traders of the city's primary pleasure basin all agree things are getting out of hand.

While they've publicly rejected a police call to shut the clubs and bars at 2am, they know something must be done.

If nothing changes, "the Valley will become a slaughterhouse" one prominent local business owner, Phil*, warns.

Like many people brisbanetimes.com.au spoke to for this story, Phil requested anonymity. In troubled times, few are willing to go public with their concerns for fear of upsetting the local clique.

But this is not some wowser or worried mother talking. Phil has worked in the Valley for decades. He was there when it was home to the prostitutes and illegal gambling dens under Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

Today, he says, it's worse.

"Kids don't know how to handle themselves these days...

"The Valley is a lot more dangerous."

Where did it all go wrong?

Phil remembers a time when an evening's business was dominated by the dinner crowd and trade was done and dusted just south of midnight.

Back then, punters came for cabaret and a good meal instead of party pills and strobe lights.

"You'd have two floor shows and big bands and no DJs," he says.

"If you didn't order food, you couldn't get a drink and the music wasn't so loud you couldn't hear yourself think."

Not like today, when crowds don't venture out until 11pm and by the time they arrive they can already barely stand from a cocktail of booze and drugs.

"Fitzgerald came along and cleaned up the strip - went through everything but left the drugs," Phil said.

"And since they changed the laws around '85 and '86 to let venues sell drinks without opening a kitchen it's been downhill ever since.

"The late 80s was the beginning of the end."

Growing pains

Transport, drugs, security - Valley traders all have different theories on what's behind the problem.

"It's nearly impossible to explain exactly what went wrong - to account for everything," says Bron*, a licensee who's been around long enough to understand the real impact of market growth.

"You can't ignore the simple fact that there are thousands more people swarming here every weekend and that there's been a steady growth in development aiming to match this demand."

Bron says in many respects the area has outgrown what it's capable of holding.

Residential densification coupled with new lifestyle businesses has built a neighbourhood of mixed intentions that struggles to mesh happily when Saturday night rolls around, she says.

"Growth has been a double-edged sword. What has been good for business also threatens to undermine it."

The Valley is the destination of choice for the majority of the 70,000 people who stream into inner-city Brisbane on weekend evenings, according to the latest official report from the Queensland Police Union, released in June.

The same report said on average 50 to 64 police were rostered on in Brisbane Central District on Friday and Saturday nights.

"There just aren't enough police," says Boyes. "From a security perspective (in a bar), you need to have one guard for every 100 people for the first 500 you have in your venue and then one for each 250 after that.

"Having one police officer for around every 1000 people? That's a big ask."

Boyes says security surveillance is also leagues behind the times, with the existing framework of club and street cameras comprising of outdated and overwhelmed technology.

"People have been able to get away with assault, with rape and crimes because no-one is watching where they should be or as much as they could," he says.

"Surveillance is an important part of accountability."

Particularly when, as Boyes describes, the nature of violence has turned nastier thanks to the popularity of martial arts and an alarming trend of female aggression.

His co-workers have been attacked with sharp stiletto heels and he's witnessed girls punching patrons in the face more often than he'd like to of late.

"There was one incident recently where a girl was glassed in the face but when you look back at the origins of the situation, you realise that she had been very clearly the aggressor."

Chemical romance

Phil says such aggression can increasingly be attributed to the prevalence of harder, faster drugs.

Rising drink prices coupled with the ease of scoring drugs means many young people turn to chemicals as a cheaper, more effective alternative to alcohol.

"The drugs are different these days too," he says. "People used to smoke marijuana and the like before but now it's ice and ecstasy - it's completely different."

Economics also contributes to the transport problem, believes Phil, with penny-pinching students unwilling to fork out for a cab ride home.

"They'll get locked out at 3am and have to wait around for the first train at around 5am in the morning," he says.

And what happens when you have a mob of drunk, high young people milling around a pedestrian space that is under-policed?

"Mayhem," says Bron. "Utter chaos."

What's to be done?

Thoughts on who should shoulder responsibility for turning things around shifts depending who you're talking to and how their livelihood is earned.

Most say 2am shutdowns and glass bans are nothing but Band-aid solutions for a gaping wound.

Kids these days are mixing with harder substances. They are resorting to harder violence. It's a sign of a broader social problem that won't be resolved that easily.

More police, better security and stricter observance of responsible service of alcohol guidelines are common suggestions.

"But you won't achieve much unless you make the criminal accountable," says Boyes. "These assault cases, rape cases - they need to be brought to trial and processed fully.

"We need to introduce the technology that will let us see the offenders, that can be used as evidence in the courtroom.

"There's little regard for consequence across the board and that has got to stop."

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/your-brisbane/welcome-to-the-valley-australias-scariest-saturday-night-20091104-hy3p.html

Big fan of ID scanning, personally. A lot of the shitheads think they can get away with the violence because there's no way of tracking down who they are off CCTV.

Agree

scanning ID's doesnt solve the situation though, yeah there are are repeat offenders out there, but there are plenty of pepole out there that are causing trouble for the first time as well, this wont prevent them from hurting someone.

scanning ID's doesnt solve the situation though, yeah there are are repeat offenders out there, but there are plenty of pepole out there that are causing trouble for the first time as well, this wont prevent them from hurting someone.

I agree its not a silver bullet solution, but its certainly part of it.

While I utterly oppose the 2 am lockout (this isn't North Korea), there certainly is a big issue in the Valley now, as there was in the city 5-6 years ago. I used to be able tyo go into the Valley in 2005, and the place had a great vibe about it, until the city-like clubs started to infultrate the Valley, and the aggressive blokes and their big mouthed sluts started coming in, all the while showing frightening displays of aggression towards the original crowds that used to frequent the area.

If they want to fix the mess up now, they need to take a long hard look at the newer venues themselves, and the sort of clientel they are trying to cater for.

While I utterly oppose the 2 am lockout (this isn't North Korea), there certainly is a big issue in the Valley now, as there was in the city 5-6 years ago. I used to be able tyo go into the Valley in 2005, and the place had a great vibe about it, until the city-like clubs started to infultrate the Valley, and the aggressive blokes and their big mouthed sluts started coming in, all the while showing frightening displays of aggression towards the original crowds that used to frequent the area.

If they want to fix the mess up now, they need to take a long hard look at the newer venues themselves, and the sort of clientel they are trying to cater for.

Are you high? when did the valley have a great vibe about it in terms of clubbing or in general for that matter? its improved now in terms of numbers but certainly retained its sub-social level of 'charm'

Am I high? Or are you talking with a lack of experience?

I have been going out in Brisbane and the Valley for the last 10 years, and I agree with the article.

I dont think the valley ever had a 'vibe' sorry to say, its like people who all of a sudden reckon west end is trendy ... sadly its not and the same goes for the valley. its improving but it certainly wasn't the place to be in terms of clubbing in the 'old' days and this is going back before 2005.

probably difference of opinion, but i honestly have not had an affinity for the valley for clubbing in terms of the environment. it always has been dinge just more populous now.

I dont think the valley ever had a 'vibe' sorry to say, its like people who all of a sudden reckon west end is trendy ... sadly its not and the same goes for the valley. its improving but it certainly wasn't the place to be in terms of clubbing in the 'old' days and this is going back before 2005.

probably difference of opinion, but i honestly have not had an affinity for the valley for clubbing in terms of the environment. it always has been dinge just more populous now.

As I virtually live in the restaurants and coffee shops of Boundary Red and Hardgrave Rd in West End (and have done so for the last 10 years), I think you are a bit of a dick! West End has just as much of vibe albeit on a smaller scale as Newtown in Sydney.

Also, heading back to the mid to late '90's (even early noughties), the Valley was very cool place to have a drink or two (or three). Not sure about today?

As I virtually live in the restaurants and coffee shops of Boundary Red and Hardgrave Rd in West End (and have done so for the last 10 years), I think you are a bit of a dick! West End has just as much of vibe albeit on a smaller scale as Newtown in Sydney.

Also, heading back to the mid to late '90's (even early noughties), the Valley was very cool place to have a drink or two (or three). Not sure about today?

as much of a dick you might think i am buddy, westend is no where near its all that its cracked up to be and im pretty sure there will be enough people around here who will attest to that. no need to get huffy about it. Valley has improved (just not in the clubbing scene) a bit. But West End aint all that.

as much of a dick you might think i am buddy, westend is no where near its all that its cracked up to be and im pretty sure there will be enough people around here who will attest to that. no need to get huffy about it. Valley has improved (just not in the clubbing scene) a bit. But West End aint all that.

You can have your opinion kp (even if it is wrong).

As I virtually live in the restaurants and coffee shops of Boundary Red and Hardgrave Rd in West End (and have done so for the last 10 years), I think you are a bit of a dick! West End has just as much of vibe albeit on a smaller scale as Newtown in Sydney.

Also, heading back to the mid to late '90's (even early noughties), the Valley was very cool place to have a drink or two (or three). Not sure about today?

Valley in the mid 90's was great
Kleptomania in Ann St, Bitch Cafe, Red Books and FW Canteen in Brunswick.....I could go on and on....

Valley in the mid 90's was great
Kleptomania in Ann St, Bitch Cafe, Red Books and FW Canteen in Brunswick.....I could go on and on....

Ah yes. I remember those times. The Valley was a different place (bogans partied in the city) and the Valley was for anyone who was different. Ordinary people feared The Valley like they would be murdered or something. It was great - ANYTHING went and always did. It was one of the most liberal corners of Australia. Things have changed, greater Brisbane discovered The Valley and made it their home. We now battle huge crowds every weekend, the minority are once again a minority instead of a majority.

Hell we all need to get together, all minority groups and claim SPRING HILL as our own, :cheers:

EDIT: I have had three vodka and cranberries......

Ah yes. I remember those times. The Valley was a different place (bogans partied in the city) and the Valley was for anyone who was different. Ordinary people feared The Valley like they would be murdered or something. It was great - ANYTHING went and always did. It was one of the most liberal corners of Australia. Things have changed, greater Brisbane discovered The Valley and made it their home. We now battle huge crowds every weekend, the minority are once again a minority instead of a majority.

Hell we all need to get together, all minority groups and claim SPRING HILL as our own, :cheers:

EDIT: I have had three vodka and cranberries......

You still sound as ridiculous as ever...with or without the vodka

You still sound as ridiculous as ever...with or without the vodka

Hey sport! You really need to see a phycologist. It's not my fault your stupid :lol:

You are entertaining though - I'll give you that :banana:

Bribri & JayT you're so right there! I loved the Valley in the "good ol days" :) when Red Books was there and when 'Valley Meats' became an internet cafe with a few chess boards to play on at any hour. The old Beat, Terminus, Patches and The Site night clubs. The Empire Hotel (pre wankers) and a few other places too. As you said JayT, the City Rowers and Mary St yobs stayed in their corner we stayed in ours - it worked nicely.

Bribri & JayT you're so right there! I loved the Valley in the "good ol days" :) when Red Books was there and when 'Valley Meats' became an internet cafe with a few chess boards to play on at any hour. The old Beat, Terminus, Patches and The Site night clubs. The Empire Hotel (pre wankers) and a few other places too. As you said JayT, the City Rowers and Mary St yobs stayed in their corner we stayed in ours - it worked nicely.

Wow Red Books - I almost forgot about that place. I thought it relocated to West End along with Butter Beats, but then again Butter Beats has moved back.

Honestly The Valley was funky before funky became popular.

I've been going out in Brisbane (Valley, City, Caxton St, West End) for almost 10yrs now, and as others have said, and the article - things have definately changed.

The Valley in the early 2000's was very laid back and almost "out of the way" for the majority of people who went out on weekends. City was where it was at, and was the place you would find all the bogans etc. But even then, violence wasn't really a big issue.

I've been trying to figure out what the fuck has gone wrong over the last few years, and I'm struggling to pinpoint what the issue is. I've been in my fair share of fights and run-ins with bouncers over that time - but I will say with totally honesty - no times has it been my fault. It's either been a drunk, testosterone filled fuckwit who wants to have a crack, some slut who thinks she has the bouncers ear, or bouncers try to prove something to their mates.

If I could point to anything in particular, I would have to say a few things come to mind as the root of the problem. Pure disrespect for other people, lack of consequences to people's actions, and increasing density of venues in the Valley. I don't have time at the moment to expand on those points, but I feel they are some of the main causes for the current violence issue. I do also believe, that cops and bouncers to more harm than good a lot of the time, and some method of placing liability on all their actions needs to be put in place - they think that can do whatever they like ("it's for the safety of yourself and the public"....bullshit) and carry on like normal. Corruption and lawlessness is rife in the Valley - but it needs to be handled by someone higher up.

Anyway, I got an exam to study for....more on this later.

I've been going out in Brisbane (Valley, City, Caxton St, West End) for almost 10yrs now, and as others have said, and the article - things have definately changed.

The Valley in the early 2000's was very laid back and almost "out of the way" for the majority of people who went out on weekends. City was where it was at, and was the place you would find all the bogans etc. But even then, violence wasn't really a big issue.

I've been trying to figure out what the fuck has gone wrong over the last few years, and I'm struggling to pinpoint what the issue is. I've been in my fair share of fights and run-ins with bouncers over that time - but I will say with totally honesty - no times has it been my fault. It's either been a drunk, testosterone filled fuckwit who wants to have a crack, some slut who thinks she has the bouncers ear, or bouncers try to prove something to their mates.

If I could point to anything in particular, I would have to say a few things come to mind as the root of the problem. Pure disrespect for other people, lack of consequences to people's actions, and increasing density of venues in the Valley. I don't have time at the moment to expand on those points, but I feel they are some of the main causes for the current violence issue. I do also believe, that cops and bouncers to more harm than good a lot of the time, and some method of placing liability on all their actions needs to be put in place - they think that can do whatever they like ("it's for the safety of yourself and the public"....bullshit) and carry on like normal. Corruption and lawlessness is rife in the Valley - but it needs to be handled by someone higher up.

Anyway, I got an exam to study for....more on this later.


bahahahahahahahahahahahaa, i jus finished mine 2day, done for the year, YEHAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think these three links will help explain what is wrong with the valley:
http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/11-ruining-music-festivals/
http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/12-christian-audigier/
http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/17-the-melbourne-cup/

^ They are champion!

the City Rowers and Mary St yobs stayed in their corner we stayed in ours - it worked nicely.

I've been going out in Brisbane since 1988, except for 4 years when I lived in London 2001-2005, and in that time away Brisbane changed hugely.

Now I don't want to get into which was better argument, but I detect a certain amount of "Valley was great until the city bogans ruined it" type of attitude here.

Myself, I was a city guy, I'm straight and not alternate, and I used to go to places like The Victory, Charlottes, Transformers, City Rowers, Fridays, Rosies, Arizonas, The Gig, Mary St, etc and occasionally to the Underground at Caxton St. I used to go to those places basically because I used to pull girls there, which was exactly what I was out for, and with all modesty I was pretty good at it. I wasn't out for dancing or the music or anything like that, just drinks with mates and chatting up girls, much like most guys of that age.

Occasionally I went to the Valley, but it really wasn't my scene, and to be honest I've always thought the Valley had a dangerous feel about it, you could walk down the wrong street and get mugged (I get the same feeling in Cairns). I was in the Navy for a while, so I've been to some pretty dodgy places about the world, and used to live in Kings Cross, Sydney, but I always felt less safe in the Valley.

I used to like Dooleys (Brunswick St, opposite the Sun building) when it was an Irish Pub (before that it was a well known Spanish themed gay bar called the Hacienda), Dooleys had good bands (Miles from Nowhere, most under-rated Brisbane band of the 90's used to play there). And I'd been to the Beat a couple of times, when it was 95% a gay club (do they still have the drag acts?).

So basically we had gay/alternate music in the Valley, straight in the city. And back in the 80's, early 90's you had to be wearing proper pants, a button up shirt, and leather shoes to go out in town, no jeans and t shirts like everyone is wearing now. Maybe the clothes was the start of standards slipping.

The city wasn't a mass of bogans brawling as some people seem to be trying to suggest has now moved to the Valley. It was OK, very little trouble, like I said, I thought it was safer than the Valley. Maybe it is the concentration of every bar and club within 2/3 blocks that seems to making the problems in the Valley, everywhere in the City was spread about. Or it could just be the general slipping of standards in society. I have a few friends who have been working as bouncers for 15/20 years and they tell me the kids today are much worse. In their words it's as if no-one has ever said no to them before and they don't know how to take it, the fighting and carrying on is basically a adult tantrum.

Also when I was younger you knew that anyone carrying on like a goose would get "sorted" (so very few did, they knew what would happen), but everyone now drunk and stupid or not thinks that no-one can touch them.

In my 4 years away Brisbane had changed, a lot of the city places were either closed or suddenly deserted, and everyone was raving about how great the Valley was. I know I'm older now, but I've been there a few times and I'm still not that impressed. I've been to most of the bars, and a couple of the clubs, but it's all those idiots who seem to arrive blotto already (cheap drinks at home) that seem to cause most of the grief. I guess they know with so many options they'll get in the door somewhere.

Rambled on a bit, main point, it wasn't "trouble" moving from the city that ruined the Valley, although the character of the place has changed. Neither had trouble, the Valley got more popular, but the standards slipping is a society thing.

Sorry but I completely disagree there. The City was always a hot spot for trouble in the early 2000's, and that's from experience also. Being fair about it, though, these are a minority, and to be honest the sheer amount of bottlos around Brisbane are also a contributing factor, so I agree there.

I think these three links will help explain what is wrong with the valley:
http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/11-ruining-music-festivals/
http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/12-christian-audigier/
http://thingsboganslike.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/17-the-melbourne-cup/

i dont how you find some of this stuff...priceless

i dont how you find some of this stuff...priceless

It was on News.com.au last week.

It was on News.com.au last week.

Heh, I don't waste my time with News.com.au. I've been following the site's author on Twitter for a few months now.

Absolutely classic!

Maybe I'm stating the obvious, but I think it might come down to is a large change in society. The bogan society.

So lets not sugar coat this, we know bogans are the problem - the police and the media will be quick to blame it on illicit drugs, and _sometimes_ rightly so, but usually they'll blame the people out in the clubs with some pills. Now, if youve ever even spoken to someone on pills you'll know they dont want to fight. It's boozed up bogans who are ruining it for everyone.

Traditionally bogans would stay away from clubs cause they don't play Barnesy and the chicks are all too stuck up for them, but with the popularity and attraction of the clubs, they are more exposed to the style of music and are familiar with the scene, so theres more and more of them heading to the Valley. Now they don't mind the electro-pop, and theres plenty of bogan chicks.

Anyway, whether it's bogans or not, don't punish the responsible ones. Make the idiots pay for their actions and once there are some decent penalties for cracking a glass in someone's face it will stop. It seems that people who kill someone drink driving get higher penalties than someone who's sober - while brawlers get less if theyre drunk?

For sure - penalities is the answer. Send the cops in by their thousands, unannounced one night and keep it up for 6 months. Plain clothes officers (in pairs), uniformed officers, dog squad for sniffing out drugs, high visibility cop cars parked on the footpaths, make it the police state for a while. Every last bogan who misbehaves can be sent straight to court and given a lifetime ban from the precinct. I'm talking a couple of police on EVERY corner, plus plain clothes dudes in the clubs.

Lift the police presence after 3-6 months (depending on the state of affairs), and if things start to go downhill again, repeat the above formula.

Maybe I'm stating the obvious, but I think it might come down to is a large change in society. The bogan society.

So lets not sugar coat this, we know bogans are the problem - the police and the media will be quick to blame it on illicit drugs, and _sometimes_ rightly so, but usually they'll blame the people out in the clubs with some pills. Now, if youve ever even spoken to someone on pills you'll know they dont want to fight. It's boozed up bogans who are ruining it for everyone.

Traditionally bogans would stay away from clubs cause they don't play Barnesy and the chicks are all too stuck up for them, but with the popularity and attraction of the clubs, they are more exposed to the style of music and are familiar with the scene, so theres more and more of them heading to the Valley. Now they don't mind the electro-pop, and theres plenty of bogan chicks.

Anyway, whether it's bogans or not, don't punish the responsible ones. Make the idiots pay for their actions and once there are some decent penalties for cracking a glass in someone's face it will stop. It seems that people who kill someone drink driving get higher penalties than someone who's sober - while brawlers get less if theyre drunk?

This man speaks the absolute truth when it comes to the valley.

For sure - penalities is the answer. Send the cops in by their thousands, unannounced one night and keep it up for 6 months. Plain clothes officers (in pairs), uniformed officers, dog squad for sniffing out drugs, high visibility cop cars parked on the footpaths, make it the police state for a while. Every last bogan who misbehaves can be sent straight to court and given a lifetime ban from the precinct. I'm talking a couple of police on EVERY corner, plus plain clothes dudes in the clubs.

Lift the police presence after 3-6 months (depending on the state of affairs), and if things start to go downhill again, repeat the above formula.

Ummm, I'll pass on living in Stalinist Russia.

Ive been to the valley a few time in recent years and it is pretty disgracefull at the end of the night. If I go out its normally to the city, I just find that people are a little more relaxed and you are less likely to be bashed then if you are walking through the valley.

The last time I went to the valley, I was walking along Ann street with a mate of mine when these two girls start talking to me whilst im waiting for the lights to change. Anyway lights change and I walk off in front of them when next minute one of their boyfriends comes up to me and starts getting in my face saying did I want to start something.

I mean I had only a friendly, hows it going, How has your night been so far kind of chat with these girls. And this guy was drunk as and just looking for a fight, he would not leave me alone as I was walking along, and you could tell he was just looking for any excuse to throw a punch.

I guess I was lucky enough I talked my way out of it, but there are just some idiots who want to go you for no reason. Since then ive only been back to the valley once and I wasnt on the street for very long, I went straight inside to a pub.

Ummm, I'll pass on living in Stalinist Russia.

Fine, leave it as it is then and quit whinging already.

How do you want to deal with it - by looking at the facts or pursuing an ideology that avoids them?

^^ Maybe deregulation of liquor licensing and stop this BS that is 'valley entertainment zone' would be a good way of decentralising the nightlife.

Too many people, it's bursting at the seams. The government and council policies created this problem, so maybe they need to think about other ways to curb the anti-social behaviour, rather than putting silly band-aids on the problem and cracking whips.

Ive been to the valley a few time in recent years and it is pretty disgracefull at the end of the night. If I go out its normally to the city, I just find that people are a little more relaxed and you are less likely to be bashed then if you are walking through the valley.

The last time I went to the valley, I was walking along Ann street with a mate of mine when these two girls start talking to me whilst im waiting for the lights to change. Anyway lights change and I walk off in front of them when next minute one of their boyfriends comes up to me and starts getting in my face saying did I want to start something.

I mean I had only a friendly, hows it going, How has your night been so far kind of chat with these girls. And this guy was drunk as and just looking for a fight, he would not leave me alone as I was walking along, and you could tell he was just looking for any excuse to throw a punch.

I guess I was lucky enough I talked my way out of it, but there are just some idiots who want to go you for no reason. Since then ive only been back to the valley once and I wasnt on the street for very long, I went straight inside to a pub.

You're just unlucky... I've lived in the heart of the valley for a year.. Generally head out most weekends.. Never ever have i had a problem...
Although i do keep to myself or my friends and not say anything to anyone...

This 2am lock out will make things far worse, atleast bt 5am people have left the clubs over time.. At 2am everyone will be leaving at once, the busiest times in the valley is 1 - 2am.. Imagine trying to get a cab? Imagine the violence?

^^
I'm with you, I've never had a problem with people in the Valley, but I usually go with a group of friends and we don't hang around on the street.

^^
I'm with you, I've never had a problem with people in the Valley, but I usually go with a group of friends and we don't hang around on the street.

I remember when every try hard alternative type liked to say ad nauseam: "the valley is so much better than the city - I never go to the city". Seems now we have drawn the circle; the valley is far uncool and more so than the city ever was, unless your GEN Y and cant hold your piss... This seems to be the only cohort who go there, judging by the scene on the Valley streets each weekend.

^^
Yet you have places like Cloudland and Zuris which are aimed at older people and higher end customers. Gen Y have little to no interest in these venues.

I myself don't drink. I am a Muslim and can still enjoy a night out on the town without alcohol, it's a bit of a shame that more people can't do the same, or at least accept their limits

Violent people make me so angry, like a rage deep within. What i want to see is extreme penalties for violent acts, that would show them. My mum is a legal studies teacher, when she went to court the whole day the maximum penalty for various violent acts plus drink driving etc etc was $200 some guy got an $80 fine (they all apparently tried to get off on mental issues) imagine giving someone a $1000 fine or something. All that violent people are, are ignorant in a competition for who can be the most macho. More police in the valley would be a good way to start, i know people don't like police and all that, but if your not doing anything wrong? then how would it be any different. and don't think that i'm some old hoagy that doesn't want the kids to have fun, I'm 18 and go out whenever i have the chance. love the valley :)

ive never been in a fight in the valley, ive never been glassed and ive never overdosed on drugs...

maybe im just on another planet when i go there, but i rarely ever see any of this stuff happen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb2m78XRaTk :okay:

Loved the video, but why was there no capital B in "brisbane" at the end??

What's the vid for? Some seriously good footage in there. Very "Brisbane" indeed.

What's the vid for? Some seriously good footage in there. Very "Brisbane" indeed.

Looks like a cinema commercial. Probably for the Australian market.

Loved the video, but why was there no capital B in "brisbane" at the end?? because brisbane is australia's new world city..and uppercase is very last year, didn't you know?
What's the vid for? Some seriously good footage in there. Very "Brisbane" indeed.
found it on http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/Travel/Default.aspx

Honestly, I think they may as well make that our tourism advertisment.

That's a good site. Who are these people? Is it a BCC thing? It's better than OurBrisbane.

I saw the slogan being marketed on a billboard for Tennis at Tennyson yesterday.

Apple Retail Store at Westfield Chermside opens 9am on Saturday 14th November, 2009

Honestly, I think they may as well make that our tourism advertisment.

That's a good site. Who are these people? Is it a BCC thing? It's better than OurBrisbane.

Yes it's a lot better than the current Queensland Tourism Advertisement with some annoying British group running around acting like retards. That add is going down pretty poorly around the country.

That add is going down pretty poorly around the country.

How do you know? Where is your evidence - or did you just make that up?

Spoke to the marketing manager for Queensland Tourism (more specifically the one who organised yesterday’s Martin Place promotion of Queensland).
So JayT, please crawl into your hole and disappear.

BTW – I am being questioned by someone who makes outlandish claims about Brisbane?? Ppppllleeeeassseeeeeee.

Yeah, crapiness as bad as that ad is doesnt come naturally. Hey hey this is Queensland?? Ugh, kill it

Violent people make me so angry, like a rage deep within. What i want to see is extreme penalties for violent acts, that would show them. My mum is a legal studies teacher, when she went to court the whole day the maximum penalty for various violent acts plus drink driving etc etc was $200 some guy got an $80 fine (they all apparently tried to get off on mental issues) imagine giving someone a $1000 fine or something. All that violent people are, are ignorant in a competition for who can be the most macho. More police in the valley would be a good way to start, i know people don't like police and all that, but if your not doing anything wrong? then how would it be any different. and don't think that i'm some old hoagy that doesn't want the kids to have fun, I'm 18 and go out whenever i have the chance. love the valley :)

Violent angry people make me so angry I want to beat the shi't out of them :lol::nuts:

The High Court yesterday (shock horror) held someone responsible for his own actions!

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26334692-421,00.html

I doubt it will affect the self righteous legislators up here anytime soon, but it may just pave the way to not blaming licencees for everything.

On a side note, I went to the valley last Saturday night and had a great time. We started at Cloudland, which was nice the two times I went there during the week, but Saturday it was just a common meat market. Zuri on the other hand, top notch! We left a few minutes before 3 and saw all of 0 fights or people acting stupidly.

I think that is bloody stupid. Ok, yes people do need to take repsonsibility for their own actions, but giving some ones car keys back to them when they are clearly intoxicated out of their mind, then them driving off and killing themsel is bloody stupid. What an idiot. Wouldn't you just call the cops or something?

Yes it's a lot better than the current Queensland Tourism Advertisement with some annoying British group running around acting like retards. That add is going down pretty poorly around the country.

I actually like that ad. :cool:

Queensland tax changes (AFR Pg.58)

Today the Bligh government will announce plans to abolish stamp duty on the restructuring of real estate investment trusts in an attempt to stimulate the Queensland property market.
Conditions will apply, including the restructuring qualifies for capital gains tax roll-over relief under the commonwealth capital gains tax provisions.



Well there we go... What BS if she was interested in stimulating the property market she wouldn't have increased land tax when the industry was crashing, especially when they had revalued at the height of the market.

the crapple store at chermside looks below average.
At a quick glance I thought it was one of those cheap 'book clearance' stores that pop up in between retail leases.

Looks good, it's not a flagship store but Apple is changing their policy on flagship/retail store ratios and moving towards more flagship stores in the future, so I wouldn't rule out a flagship store somewhere in Brisbane, for a retail store though it's a good size and it's pretty handy if you are a Apple user around Chermside.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/4100321684_57825791ca.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/4100321686_065abcc0ca.jpg

http://www.mactheblog.com/images/stories/geniusbar.jpg

hideous. but at least it's not disrupting the wider aesthetic.

Last Saturday morning I arrived at Westfield Chermside at 8.50am to find a park, instead found a queue of "Apple" devotees lined up well and truly into the carpark. According to the Courier Mail the shop was giving away t-shirts to the first 100 or so customers!

After 15mins of seeking out a car space, I went upstairs to see what the fuss was all about. Every time a customer was let into the shop (like I said, there was a queue and a half) the staff lined up at the door and applauded the customer's arrival. I had a hangover and left quickly and went to BigW instead! :lol:

Three hours later, there was no more queues and no more applauding at everyone's arrival!

Heh, I lined up - got given the free tshirt they hand out to the first 1000 people and then put it on eBay for $70. Good saturday morning.

I actually like that ad. :cool:

The ad is fine. Zach is just too cool for Qld these days. He is taking his cue from Dean, Mickeebee, Dockside, Spiralout etc etc etc, , to kick the shit out of Qld at every opportunity.

It's all very tedious, but it props up their low self-esteem.

Don't worry Tic. I will be in Queensland in December and Feb.

Looks like they went with my suggestion on the alcohol & violence issues...

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,26370567-421,00.html

2 days is hardly enough though. Probably not going to do much at all.

In other news .. Anna Bligh is trying to do something right for once .. its not enough in my opinion if Brisbane is going to grow as fast as they say it is over the next 30 years...

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/brisbanes-light-rail-tunnel-vision-20091119-io6g.html

^^
Yes, a great idea :)

I don't really see much of an argument for surface level light rail. About the only advantage is that it is cheaper, also more accessible.

An underground system will cause less disturbance during and after completion and (if constructed properly) will provide the city with an efficient mode of public transport off road level.

First positive decision by the Bligh Government in God knows how long.

First positive decision by the Bligh Government in God knows how long.

It doesn't sound like any decision was made. Is there any more info on what the outcome of her statement was?

And I'm not sure about the routing:

Toowong, West End, the CBD, Newstead, Bowen Hills, Bulimba and Bowen Hills

???

^^BrisbaneTimes screwed up. Discussion here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1006157

^^ They aren't doing anything, just another announcement of something in the future. 2030, maybe. It's just rubbish really, a nice chance to look like you are do something when the news has been all bad lately. In the late 90's they were planning trams between West End and the Valley, because they were needed then, nothing happened.

I can't get excited about any annoucements like this anymore, they are just lies and spin. I'll believe it when they start the works, I just wish Can Do had a taste for PT, he actually delivers on his plans, they're just too car centric.

Very different. The tram plans came from the polititians directing the plans, these Metro Plans came from the 'worker bees' pushing up to the politicians. this isn't as political as other plans, this is about providing real PT options for the growing population in the inner city areas.

Lets hope so anyway. I will be a lot more confident when a pre-feasibility study is funded and moving forward.

Out of Brisbane metro but still is news,

It has been announced in the local Albert & Logan news on Friday (front page) Logan City Council has put up a vision for the local area planning for Logan Central/Woodridge: Sink (TUNNEL Wembley road) and the top a busway and pedestrian use only i.e. more pedestrian friendly) Bulldoze Woodridge State School directly opposite the council chambers will be a fine dining area and a 30 story iconic building.

More at: Logan
http://albert-and-logan.whereilive.com.au/news/story/grand-plan-for-hub/

Source:http://albert-and-logan.whereilive.com.au/news/story/grand-plan-for-hub/

If Logan builts a tunnel then we will have maglev linking Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast :D

JB Hi Fi at Macarthur Central opens today.

According to the JB Hi Fi website, the Macarthur Central store will carry the widest range of products of the three city stores, but no televisions.

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/stores/australia/qld/brisbane-queen-st/?utm_source=store-page&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=www-store-expanded&utm_campaign=www-store-page-why

Leighton has won the contract for the QUT Science Lab.

Click here for media release. (http://www.leighton.com.au/verve/_resources/261109_mr.pdf)

I was looking at an apartment in the city the other day which looked over into the Vision pit, and the agent told me that they were going to have to fill it back in because 212 Margaret Street (the Oaks building next door) was starting to fall into it. Can anyone confirm?

The agents an idiot, 212 isnt falling into it.

If it isnt developed soon they will have to fill it in, the reason for that is more of a safety, environmental & ongoing maintenance thing not because of any structural reasons.

I heard they where investigating filling it in with sand which could then later be easily vaccuum excavate out, but they where told that it would have to be completely compacted at every 600mm layer, which would have been expensive as.

JB Hi Fi at Macarthur Central opens today.

According to the JB Hi Fi website, the Macarthur Central store will carry the widest range of products of the three city stores, but no televisions.

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/stores/australia/qld/brisbane-queen-st/?utm_source=store-page&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=www-store-expanded&utm_campaign=www-store-page-why

Yeah not a bad store, to me it actually seemed smaller then the Albert Street store. And it used the same wooden flooring as the Albert Street store. :)

Leighton has won the contract for the QUT Science Lab.

Click here for media release. (http://www.leighton.com.au/verve/_resources/261109_mr.pdf)

I Block is being pulled down this week. That's the building with the pool in it that you walk past coming from the Goodwill Bridge.

I noticed that the building at 295 Ann Street (corner of Creek & Ann across from the Central Railway Station) is undergoing a bit of an external refurbishment. It looked like they were covering up some of the granite/concrete facade with black panels at the top and down the sides between the windows, but was curious if anyone knew the extent of the refurbishment or had a render of the finished product? It was being undertaken by Hutchinson Builders. I couldn't find anything on the council pd online or Hutchinson Builders website or ING's website.

Not sure exactly what they are doing but I would suggest its a full refurb, from driving past. They generally do it when a major tenant vacates so that they can attreact a new one.

Rock 'n' Roll George joins the great gig in the sky

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/rock-n-roll-george-joins-the-great-gig-in-the-sky-20091130-k0ln.html?autostart=1

Ah. Who's he? Is he just 'famous' because he hung around and spoke to people? Even though it says he didn't want to talk to them, thats the only thing I can see...

Has anyone seen Story Bridge. I've been trying to find photos the last few days - looks completely different. Anyone know how long it will last or is it perminant?

What about the Story Bridge?

What about the Story Bridge?

Its Blue.

Lol. I was going to say that after driving on it tonight. The orange outline lights have been replaced with Blue ones.

A large barge complete with crane is moored close to the Gardens Point CityCat terminal tonight. Does anyone know what its doing there?

That was at Teneriffe about a week ago too...I've got no idea.

Possibly surveying for expansion of the terminals? I know the Builmba terminal is geting re-done in the next year or so.

Lol. I was going to say that after driving on it tonight. The orange outline lights have been replaced with Blue ones.

The orange is a trait of the type of lamp used in these lights, they change the colour by putting lighting "gels" (fancy cellophane paper) over them, they do it at city hall aswell. Very popular with theatre.

The orange is a trait of the type of lamp used in these lights, they change the colour by putting lighting "gels" (fancy cellophane paper) over them, they do it at city hall aswell. Very popular with theatre.

Thats what I thought - but how do they stop the lights from going green? Blue + Yellow = Green.

The question is what does the blue represent? The pink light last month were for breast cancer awareness, but what is the blue about?

^^Just rang BCC purely out of curiosity - it's blue because on MOVEMBER. Only for this week as well apparently. I'll have to get the camera out...

actually C.Newman said on radio yesterday its part of the Q150 celebrations - apparently when the official news of Queenslands foundation was delivered to Brisbane via boat, the then harbour master changed all the rivers navigational lights to blue.

no one knows why he did this. just did. and todays blue lights are to mirror this part of the celebration.

heard it from the horses mouth, must be right.

^^Well there you have it! Thought it was rather strange that they were celebrating Movember in December. The BCC employee I spoke to must have missed that meeting!

A large barge complete with crane is moored close to the Gardens Point CityCat terminal tonight. Does anyone know what its doing there?

Not sure, I think I got a glimpse of it when going past on the bus today..

^^Well there you have it! Thought it was rather strange that they were celebrating Movember in December. The BCC employee I spoke to must have missed that meeting!

hehe - but i can imagine a large Boonish 'handlebar' mo hanging off each end of the Storey Bridge as you drive thru as a suitable Movember idea for next year :)

A large barge complete with crane is moored close to the Gardens Point CityCat terminal tonight. Does anyone know what its doing there?

It's way too close to the terminal too. Is Gardens Point still being serviced? Tight fit.

^^ Don't believe its still being serviced, my CityCat docked there tonight.

It's way too close to the terminal too. Is Gardens Point still being serviced? Tight fit.
CityCats are still operating there, but as you say there's not a whole lot of space!

actually C.Newman said on radio yesterday its part of the Q150 celebrations - apparently when the official news of Queenslands foundation was delivered to Brisbane via boat, the then harbour master changed all the rivers navigational lights to blue.

no one knows why he did this. just did. and todays blue lights are to mirror this part of the celebration.

heard it from the horses mouth, must be right.

Won't all the boats crash into each other?

Won't all the boats crash into each other?

Wait what?

actually C.Newman said on radio yesterday its part of the Q150 celebrations - apparently when the official news of Queenslands foundation was delivered to Brisbane via boat, the then harbour master changed all the rivers navigational lights to blue.

no one knows why he did this. just did. and todays blue lights are to mirror this part of the celebration.

heard it from the horses mouth, must be right.
Lights - in 1859?

I know Brisbane had the first public building lit by electric light in the entire commonwealth but that wasn't as early as 1859.

Electricity isn't the only thing that creates light you know ;)

Electricity isn't the only thing that creates light you know ;)

Gas lights?

Candles

Candles

Wouldn't that melt the celephane :lol:

Question - is vision dead and burried?

Well the hole is there....

haha, we had a hole for more than 20 years and only got something now, what's the situation with it? anything?

Still officially on hold, however they have been told they have to do something with the current hole if they don't plan to proceed with construction. We had a poster say they were investigating options such as sand which could be quickly removed when they do restart. There is still a little life, but really in a coma on life support.

I heard they are constructing the basements and up to Level 2 starting March 2010.

For the current approved DA?

Keep an eye on this page over the next couple of weeks:

http://www.briferrier.com.au/pages/company-information.php?id=13

I doubt there will be much new info but something is better than nothing!

I heard they are constructing the basements and up to Level 2 starting March 2010.

Oh?

That would be stage 1 of the construction (remember, it's in 3 stages, each able to be completed independently).

How reliable is this info?

Its still officially on hold, there are no plans at the moment to start on the basements.

When they get money then they will start. They wont get anymore money until they find new investors.

Its still officially on hold, there are no plans at the moment to start on the basements.

When they get money then they will start. They wont get anymore money until they find new investors.

I am telling you the South Koreans are gunna do it and word is March.

I am telling you the South Koreans are gunna do it and word is March.

What word? Who is talking to you?

^^ x2

Jesus

Then it's true! Halleluljah!

No really - mapps has had accurate information in the past. I am really interested to know whether this is from a credible source.

It makes no sense to me, but Koreans might be crazy...

Then it's true! Halleluljah!

No really - mapps has had accurate information in the past. I am really interested to know whether this is from a credible source.

It makes no sense to me, but Koreans might be crazy...

Thanks Marty I appreciate you giving me some credit for accurate info in the past - obviously you guys can make your own mind up but I can't give out sources but just provide info as I hear it -if you don't believe or trust me that's cool too - you are allowed your own opinion.

Apologies if this has already been mentioned, but anyone notice this tender for a new CityCat stop at Victoria St, West End?

https://www.evalua.com.au/etb/bcc/ExternalTenderDetails.htm?id=35848192#bottom

This is across the river from the Wesley, so it'll be the top between North Quay and the Regatta.

Good spot. Just up the road from the new Waters Edge development.

Apologies if this has already been mentioned, but anyone notice this tender for a new CityCat stop at Victoria St, West End?

https://www.evalua.com.au/etb/bcc/ExternalTenderDetails.htm?id=35848192#bottom

This is across the river from the Wesley, so it'll be the top between North Quay and the Regatta.

That is just bull sh*t!

When is there ever going to be a ferry terminal at Park Road, Milton. It has been the most obvious spot for a ferry terminal for the last twenty years.

I cannot believe that there is no serious action to put one there.

That is just bull sh*t!

When is there ever going to be a ferry terminal at Park Road, Milton. It has been the most obvious spot for a ferry terminal for the last twenty years.

I cannot believe that there is no serious action to put one there.

Clowncil doesn't pay for them fully anymore, they always want someone nearby to chip in, and no one around Park Road has offered to do so (like the Regatta did for well the Regatta stop). Although it certainly is in the plans.
.

Is there like a Park Road Chamber of Commerce or something? We should peition them! I mean, if that ferry stop is build, those cafes will def be benefit the most. THen maybe also the XXXX brewery. It is also closer to walk to Suncorp I think compared to North Quay Stupid PPP

I personally think a pedestrian bridge to Toowong would be a better outcome than a CityCat terminal....and would also negate the need for a CityCat terminal at WestEnd as it would only be a short walk across the river!

Installation of the new railings on the Riverside boardwalk is progressing along.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/580/img10606322956.jpg

Finally. Those temp. fences were annoying and nasty.

Installation of the new railings on the Riverside boardwalk is progressing along.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/580/img10606322956.jpg
^^
OMG that is one REALLY HIGH tide. I don't think I've seen it that high before.

Is there like a Park Road Chamber of Commerce or something? We should peition them! I mean, if that ferry stop is build, those cafes will def be benefit the most. THen maybe also the XXXX brewery. It is also closer to walk to Suncorp I think compared to North Quay Stupid PPP

Looks like this group might have been on it for a few years. Wonder if they are still trying: Inner West Chamber of Commerce (http://www.innerwestchamber.com.au/cms/pages/Menu/New+Projects/CityCat+Terminal/!/display.html)

Looks like theres some work going on at the ol' Vision site today. There's a crane there! (A small one, but still!)

^^
Maybe this should be posted in the Vision thread

Hi,

I am a first time user and work as a valuer in melbourne but travel interstate looking at city development sites that have sold and that we value. I am heading to Brisbane after Xmas and keen to know what is going on up tehre with inner city development of office towers and sales etc.

We can help with development, but not sales.

Hi,

I am a first time user and work as a valuer in melbourne but travel interstate looking at city development sites that have sold and that we value. I am heading to Brisbane after Xmas and keen to know what is going on up tehre with inner city development of office towers and sales etc.

I know of a highrise site in Wynnum CBD which has just been amalgamated and is up for sale, but thats not Brisbane CBD. Thought Wynnum will be the next big thing now the new Wynnum CBD master plan has now been approved and encourages highrise development.
The Wynnum CBD is perched on a rise, has two railway stations and has amazing bay and Brisbane City views.. Its also surrounded by some of Brisbane's fastest growing suburbs.

Mark my words - Wynnum will go off. I'll see if I can locate the properties and send you details.

I'm not sure what he's asking. Development sites, U/C developments, completed developments that are for sale... What exactly? And what about CBD fringe developments?

I live in Wynnum!

They want to build 2 x 10 story high rises on akoona street (wynnum herald paper)
I know of 8 storey residential going up aswell next to the wynnum central station.

If you type in google wynnum chariotte there will be developments that are happening like the new leagues club. There is a face lift on the wynnum plaza, the new brisbane bay college.

Wynnum is going off so is manly. All wakerley wynnum west ares are being developed.

Well first thing first, they have to move all the bogans off... Wynnum is a pretty good suburb, grew up there :P

Well first thing first, they have to move all the bogans off... Wynnum is a pretty good suburb, grew up there :P

bogan! :P

^^ that's right and im proud of it :)

Well first thing first, they have to move all the bogans off... Wynnum is a pretty good suburb, grew up there :P

Wynnum is pretty good. It ticks all the boxes. Its close to transport being on a rail line. Its elevated with Bay and City views. It has a well developed commercial core with plenty of services - something rare in Brisbane. Nearby Manly is more affluent and is home to the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron - Largest in Australia! Temperatures in Winter are on average higher than Brisbane and in Summer they are much lower - being on the coast.

Its a pretty good place

There are bogans in diferent parts of Wynnum.

The bay side is filling up with big mansions multi million dollar.
There are many events such as markets, Manly street parade (halloween), Spring festival, Seafood festival. There are four main harbours that are all being revamped. The plaza is being developed with more shops. A new state of the art state college is going ahead. Land on the outskirts is being developed with proposed medium density in the Wynnum CBD.

See manly has a big hotel, with some popular restruants and cafes and kinda a nightclub while wynnum has 2 hotels on the northen side. Wynnum is being transformed into more of a CBD with offices, shops, and multi-storey apartments going as high as 10 storeys. Well as Manly is turning into more nightlife go to have dinner few drinks etc. Also Ive noticed all the roads are being modified to suit the population increase.

Another 10 years time and people will be killing to live in Wynnum. No it's not an inner city suburb but there are buses and trains that go straight into the city. It has very good views of the bay and city. A much more climatised area. With great festivals.

Sunland Group:

Sunland Acquires Premier Brisbane CBD Residential Site for $250 Luxury High Rise Development - from Devine.

Sunland Group:

Sunland Acquires Premier Brisbane CBD Residential Site for $250 Luxury High Rise Development - from Devine.

Whats that all about?

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,7283097,00.jpg

Public vote on Kangaroo Point sculpture

By Suzanna Clarke
December 11, 2009 12:00am
Article (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26468456-952,00.html)

.QUEENSLANDERS have been invited to vote on a new piece of public art. The result will mean a kangaroo the size of a 10-storey building or an even taller abstract tower will adorn a new park at Kangaroo Point.

"It is only fitting that Queenslanders should be able to have a say in a major work of public art that will be a centrepiece of this beautiful new green space in one of the best locations in our city," Premier Anna Bligh said.

The two designs were selected after an international call for submissions for an iconic $800,000 sculpture for thepark, which will open in January, following the redevelopment of the TAFE college site.

Vote now: Which sculpture do you favour for Kangaroo Point?
The land is being returned to the public as part of the Q150 celebrations.

Irish sculptor Alex Pentek, who designed the kangaroo, is no stranger to oversize sculptures – his giant origami hedgehog won a public poll in County Wexford, Ireland.

He says he decided to use the origami style again as "it's a way of using simple materials skilfully . . . I went to the State Library and researched the name of Kangaroo Point, which was linked with the number of kangaroos in the area."

Wolfgang Buttress, who designed the other option, hails from the UK and creates elegant sculptures that seek to celebrate a sense of place.

He has produced public art in the UK, Europe and the USA and recently won two Civic Trust Awards in the UK.

The winning sculpture will join four other artworks already selected for the park.

That Kangaroo would look terrible, they might as well have just moved the giant kangaroo from Wet n Wild and put it there instead. If they have to do something I reckon go the spire.

I agree. The spire looks great actually, and somewhat contemporary. The roo looks like something from the QSM circa 1985...

The spire is useless... What does it do? How does it generate any interest at all? What does it mean?

It's a stick in a field.

At least the Kangaroo is something to talk about... It's more iconic/interesting/relevant.

I personally don't like either of them. I think a ten storey observation deck would be pretty awesome there.

^^ditto they both look shit.

That Kangaroo would look terrible, they might as well have just moved the giant kangaroo from Wet n Wild and put it there instead. If they have to do something I reckon go the spire.

All you need is Rolf Harris to sing 'tie me kangaroo down' at the unveiling and it would be the 1982 Commonwealth Games all over again :ohno:

Both are crap.

Well one of those designs is going to end up in the park. I'm leaning towards the Kangaroo, just because the tower really doesn't mean anything. But they Kangaroo could look rather tacky depending on build quality and maintenance.
http://www.artpoll.com.au/home
If you want to vote. There are videos on the entire park in there and a couple of rejected designs as well.

The spire is useless... What does it do? How does it generate any interest at all? What does it mean?

It's a stick in a field.

At least the Kangaroo is something to talk about... It's more iconic/interesting/relevant.
Well it is KANGAROO Point after all. It will generate interest and the tourists will love it. But if the Kangaroo idea goes ahead it may become just another BIG thing = tacky. The spire on the other hand could end up becoming quite obscure amongst the hundreds of other sculptures and art pieces on our streets.

I guess it would make a tourist photo... A giant red kangaroo with the best side of Brisbane's skyline in the background.

The koala is the State Emblem for QLD.
The Kangaroo is the State Emblem for the NT.

Smart State my arse.

Sauce: http://www.csu.edu.au/australia/state-emblems.html

Not a huge fan of either. I liked the two others which were rejected. However, I did vote for the spire a couple of times because I just hate that damn kangaroo. I cringed severely when I saw it.

Well! Completely underwhelmed.

pretty much agree with everyone here. Don't like either. Spire means nothing. Kangaroo means something but looks tacky. Both dont work. The kangaroo has got more merits, but we have lots of oversized tacky icons and this could just be a similar thing. Obviously neither artist is in touch with what QLDers would like to see. We need iconic inspirational artwork. Just not this. But I guess from a tourist point of view they would luv the kangaroo

i do like the origami look though.

The koala is the State Emblem for QLD.
The Kangaroo is the State Emblem for the NT.

Smart State my arse.

Sauce: http://www.csu.edu.au/australia/state-emblems.html

:rofl: ^^ they should put a giant Koala somewhere then and NOT a giant Kangaroo at Kangaroo Point then... Was the Qld govt thinking that Kangaroo was the state emblem where they? Perhaps they are living behind times.... so :lol: at your smart state your arse comment.... i agree

I personally don't like either of them. I think a ten storey observation deck would be pretty awesome there.

:lol: a ten story kangaroo wouldn't look good nor that other object... yes i would agree, maybe they should build a 10 story observation tower with a cafe at the top.

What's the idea with the Kangaroo statue anyway, i.e. Kangaroo Point yes, but that doesn't warrant for a kangaroo i would think....

We could get into trouble if we have to start basing public artwork by the place names

Yorkeys Knob

Fanny Bay

Rooty Hill

Mount Buggery

Tittybong

What's the idea with the Kangaroo statue anyway, i.e. Kangaroo Point yes, but that doesn't warrant for a kangaroo i would think....

Read post 2681 again. Kangaroo Point used to have alot of kangaroos, hence the name, and why the guy designed a kangaroo.

Am I the only one who has had a belly full of kangaroos and koalas? Talk about overkill and that sculpture of the kangaroo looks pathetic.

I like the tower and I voted for it. Who cares if it means anything. It's modern and just how many people know what modern art means anyway.
There's contempary sculptures all over the place....nobody knows what they're all about....but in my opinion they do catch the eye.

As I suspected, however, the Courier Mail poll had the f....kangaroo in front last time I looked.

the problem is that neither design is anything even remotely classy or adding to the area. and $800k assigned for either I just think we need more options in that case ...and i am pretty sure the cost can be reduced for something that is only really just a visual addition to the area.

I mean normally I'm a labour sympathiser but recently I have just had a gutful with the extravagant overdraft in the wrong sections of the ledger, viz-a-vi the MP pay rise when there are people struggling to make ends meet, and there is no justification.

Please a 5% pay rise over three years is less than what most people would've received. That was the worst possible example you could've given.

since working in the private sector you have to earn your paycheck and all your rises, explain to me why the public sector which is rewarded for the 'i'll get on to it tomorrow' attitude and 'even if i screw up, i'll be ok' mentality gets a pay rise of, may it be a meagre 3.1%, when the government and state are bleeding at the pockets justify a pay rise and have to sell state assets.

Private sectors aren't saints be any means giving their dud executives and CEO's pay rises amongst poor performance and sacking lower level employees. Sorry i'm just sick of this bullshit where nothing gets done by those at the 'top echelon' and instead of trying to make sacrifices, in fact get rewarded.

so dont talk to me about whether it is a 'minor' or major payrise. the idea of a successful state would be investing in areas that will provide employment and benefit to the state and its people i.e. infrastructure, as well as drawing in bigger employers. By you're comment it seems as though instead of MP's looking at the bigger picture and saying hey guess what we can go another Fiscal year without a pay rise they go the other direction.

^^ at the same time if you dont give pay rises to the public sector then those people are just going to move across into the private sector, the best people will leave leaving us with the poorer cousins running the government.

On top of that, whilst the private sector has salaries which can increae astronomically in short periods with bonuses etc, the public sector doesnt have that.

I just wonder about KPI's seriously, anyways loving the Brisbane Skyline banner on Skyscrapercity atm :) big smiles all round

I just wonder about KPI's seriously, anyways loving the Brisbane Skyline banner on Skyscrapercity atm :) big smiles all round

And it's not even a collage :-)

We could get into trouble if we have to start basing public artwork by the place names

Yorkeys Knob

Fanny Bay

Rooty Hill

Mount Buggery

Tittybong

^^

Add Humpybong (at Redcliffe)

From Brisbane Times:

New plans for new Brisbane CBD
December 17, 2009 - 2:16PM

A new plan for Brisbane's CBD, incorporating river crossings, more high-rise living and possible development on Northbank, will be released next year.

Premier Anna Bligh and Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman joined together to announce a partnership to plan the future of Australia's fastest growing capital to the year 2031.

River City Blueprint, to be unveiled next August, will incorporate existing plans for Brisbane's inner-city five kilometres addressing living, working and lifestyle issues for the next 20 years, with the 50 years to 2061 also to be considered.

Ms Bligh said the planning was essential for the coming decades, with 25 per cent of the city's population and half of all jobs in just six per cent of its area.

"We will need to see some increased density but getting the transport planning right around that, making the right decisions about rail and other cross-river transport links will be about improving that livability," she told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday.

She said the government and council would be considering all reaches of the river in future planning, and that would incorporate Northbank - the site of a scrapped commercial precinct.

The next pedestrian bridges, cross-river roads, and a new CBD train station would also be in the mix.

Mr Newman said he hoped the co-ordinated approach - not occurring in other major Australian cities - would assist the city with asking for federal government money for infrastructure projects.

"It will get us a lot further ahead of Sydney and Melbourne in showing that there is a very, very, high-level, strategic, holistic plan with definite linkages between town planning and infrastructure delivery," he said.

Public comment will be called for once the plan is released in 2010.

^ is Brisbane the fastest growing capital?

^^
Nope, QLD media seems to like that tag though, makes for more interesting stories and debates (ie. overpopulation)

Melb growing faster (absolute numbers) and so is Sydney, Perth and I think Darwin growing faster by %

Brisbanes growth rate has absolutely tanked over the last 6 months. Pretty much every other city is overtaking us... Melbourne being the major one.

Brisbanes growth rate has absolutely tanked over the last 6 months. Pretty much every other city is overtaking us... Melbourne being the major one.

where did you get this idea from?

we don't have any data on Brisbane for the last 6 months. On the other hand we do on Qld, which hasn't shown as dramatic a drop as elsewhere (in fact greater in the last 6 months than the previous, ditto if you expand the period out to 12 months)

possible development on Northbank

didn't Bligh state that the Northbank idea was banished forever? perhaps people have short memories...

Ok, I was drawing a very long bow. Just current observations of the QLD economy, total lack of development and comments from a number of developers (Devine included) that the southern markets are altogether better these days and it's become too expensive (thanks to the government) and risky to build in QLD.

Industry murmerings and observations. Probably didn't warrant my comment, but it's what I think. In 6 months it could be altogether different. We shall see.

it was always going to be like that Marty, the hotter you run the further you fall, doesnt mean shit at the end of the day, means the whole market rationalises itself for a couple of years and then starts again.

Brisbanes growth rate has absolutely tanked over the last 6 months. Pretty much every other city is overtaking us... Melbourne being the major one.

Just my 2c worth.
From the last stats, we were growing third fastest, behind Melb and Syd and slightly ahead of Perth (in absolute numbers).

I much prefer this term than percentage growth. And as far as I know, we have always been behind Sydney in absolute growth, and now Melbourne for the past few years.

With the country's population growing as fast as it is, it wouldn't surprise me if (when the next city population data is released) we see Brisbane growing by almost 50 000 people a year.

And I think some recent articles about cranes are misleading. Infinity, Soleil and 111 will be 3 of our 5 tallest buildings, pretty darn good coming out of the financial crisis. Sure, the state's economy isn't great, but there is still quite a lot of activity going on in the CBD

Brisbanes growth rate has absolutely tanked over the last 6 months. Pretty much every other city is overtaking us... Melbourne being the major one.
Much of Brisbane's growth now is in the outer suburbs and outside the ABS statistical boundary. There are still around 80,000 people per year moving into SEQ and most are settling within close proximity to Brisbane for work etc. This will continue to have a massive impact on Brisbane as it always has.

There are still around 80,000 people per year moving into SEQ

Source?

Well, here's something to counteract my pessimism...

Brisbane makes 'top 10 Asian cities' list

Just months after launching its ambitious "new world city" slogan, Brisbane has found its way onto a list of the Top 10 Asian Cities of the Future.

The Sunshine State capital was judged to be one of the region's emerging centres by fDi Magazine, a high-brow economic publication produced by the London-based Financial Times.

Singapore, Tokyo and Shanghai topped the Asia Pacific list, based on seven criteria including best economic potential, business-friendly conditions and quality of life.

Brisbane was ranked 10th, Melbourne featured at seventh place and Sydney missed out.

Those compiling the list assessed more than 130 Asia Pacific cities before arriving at their top 10.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman seized on the fact the city had been ranked second to Hong Kong in the magazine's separate list of places with the best foreign direct investment strategies.

Brisbane was now seen as a world-class destination for business and investment, he said in a statement.

"Businesses are attracted by Brisbane's highly skilled and creative workforce, consistently strong economic performance, high population growth and our relaxed lifestyle," he said.

"Brisbane's diverse economy has benefited strongly from Brisbane City Council's eight-strong sister city relationships which have netted us millions of dollars in overseas business and the foreign investment activities undertaken by Brisbane Marketing, such as our work with Seattle and Spanish cities."

Brisbane's latest marketing tagline, "Australia's new world city", divided brisbanetimes.com.au readers and advertising experts in online debate over the strategy last month.

"I hate this slogan so much. Every time I see it I feel sick," one wrote.

"Are we up there with Paris, Tokyo, New York, London and all other host of pretentious brand, egoistic places? I like Brisbane because it is NOT like these (awful rat race) places. It is warm, open and uncrowded."

Make Communications managing partner Murray Berghan said the "new world city" brand was ambitious but would be met with criticism until the city delivered on its global promise.

Kevin Moreland, owner and partner of BCM Partnership, said the slogan would "attract s******s" unless it was backed up by evidence.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/business/brisbane-makes-top-10-asian-cities-list-20091218-l1dr.html

Edit: Lots more info on the magazine's website, including members of the judging panel: http://www.fdimagazine.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/3135/Asian_Cities_of_the_Future__2009_10.html

Much of Brisbane's growth now is in the outer suburbs and outside the ABS statistical boundary.

Unless you're referring to growth within the far northern edge of the Gold Coast SD, that is false.

Kevin Moreland, owner and partner of BCM Partnership, said the slogan would "attract s******s" unless it was backed up by evidence.



shitcunts or spastics?

lol.... snigge*s

"Shitfucks".

"schoolgirls"

Keep that up and this website will be put on Steven Conroy's shitlist of banned websites! :lol:

Anyone seen the Story Bridge lit up in blue? Looks really good although pretty dark along the footpaths now. I thought they were a month too late with Movember but it's apparently for Q150 celebrations.

Unless you're referring to growth within the far northern edge of the Gold Coast SD, that is false.

really, im pretty sure that ipswich, caboolture and the gold coast are all growing quite fast

really, im pretty sure that ipswich, caboolture and the gold coast are all growing quite fast

That's right, and they're all within the ABS boundaries of either the Brisbane or Gold Coast SDs.

That's right, and they're all within the ABS boundaries of either the Brisbane or Gold Coast SDs.
Hey I just checked. Beenleigh and surrounding suburbs are now in Brisbane SD. Does this mean Gold Coast has lost population?

I think the Gold Coast expanded west a bit, but Logan expanded south to swallow up Beenleigh. Council amalgamations.

Socioeconomically and, I guess, culturally (for a lack of a better word), Beenleigh is much more similar to Logan than it is the Coast.

^^ I agree with you...

I think the Gold Coast expanded west a bit, but Logan expanded south to swallow up Beenleigh. Council amalgamations.

Socioeconomically and, I guess, culturally (for a lack of a better word), Beenleigh is much more similar to Logan than it is the Coast.

I think your talking about Local Council Boundaries. I was talking about ABS statistical divisions. The new boundary separating GC from Brisbane runs along the Pimpama River.

The website is up http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_5841

This is the official website for the inner city blueprint.

From Brisbane Times:

New plans for new Brisbane CBD
December 17, 2009 - 2:16PM

A new plan for Brisbane's CBD, incorporating river crossings, more high-rise living and possible development on Northbank, will be released next year.

Premier Anna Bligh and Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman joined together to announce a partnership to plan the future of Australia's fastest growing capital to the year 2031.

River City Blueprint, to be unveiled next August, will incorporate existing plans for Brisbane's inner-city five kilometres addressing living, working and lifestyle issues for the next 20 years, with the 50 years to 2061 also to be considered.

Ms Bligh said the planning was essential for the coming decades, with 25 per cent of the city's population and half of all jobs in just six per cent of its area.

"We will need to see some increased density but getting the transport planning right around that, making the right decisions about rail and other cross-river transport links will be about improving that livability," she told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday.

She said the government and council would be considering all reaches of the river in future planning, and that would incorporate Northbank - the site of a scrapped commercial precinct.

The next pedestrian bridges, cross-river roads, and a new CBD train station would also be in the mix.

Mr Newman said he hoped the co-ordinated approach - not occurring in other major Australian cities - would assist the city with asking for federal government money for infrastructure projects.

"It will get us a lot further ahead of Sydney and Melbourne in showing that there is a very, very, high-level, strategic, holistic plan with definite linkages between town planning and infrastructure delivery," he said.

Public comment will be called for once the plan is released in 2010.

The website is up http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_5841

This is the official website for the inner city blueprint.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

BCC has an on line Forum for the BluePrint:

http://202.148.140.166/Forum143-1.aspx

Could be fun ! Watch out Nimby's !

We should chip in. This is one instance where it's worth it. Drown out the nimby's!

Revealed: the ABC of South Bank (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/revealed-the-abc-of-south-bank-20091222-lbei.html?autostart=1)
DANIEL HURST
December 22, 2009 - 3:26PM Comments 1
Click for more photos (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/photogallery/queensland/plans-for-the-new-abc-building-at-south-bank/20091222-lbbh.html?selectedImage=0)

Designs for the controversial new ABC headquarters in Brisbane's South Bank parklands have been unveiled.

Visitors to the much-loved city oasis will see construction works begin at the site, between the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Conservatorium of Music, early in the new year.

Premier Anna Bligh today played down the long-running controversy over the resulting loss of open space, saying the greenery would be replaced in other parts of the parklands including a new boardwalk to be built near the Goodwill Bridge.

However, the price the State Government-established South Bank Corporation is charging the Federal Government-funded Australian Broadcasting Corporation to lease the site on the corner of Grey and Russell streets remains a secret.

Ms Bligh insisted the arrangement was based on market values, but was "commercial in confidence".

The new four-storey ABC complex will contain more than 15,000 square metres of floor space, including a 600 square metre media production studio for ABC employees and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

About 450 workers from the national broadcaster, including radio, television and online journalists, along with members of the orchestra, were expected to move into the new facility by early 2012.

Brisbane-based radio presenters will find themselves in a glass bowl when they move into the building, with news their on-air studios will be visible from the outside.

Ms Bligh said the "state of the art" design was all about bringing the community and the national broadcaster closer together.

"For the people who work in the business it probably means there's no such thing as a good head for radio anymore," she quipped.

"This will be the best ABC facility in the country."

The design, by South Brisbane-based architect Richard Kirk, incorporates a ground floor cafe and retail outlet, expected to be a new ABC Shop.

ABC employees have been dispersed across eight sites over the past three years after the broadcaster abandoned its Toowong studios following the discovery of a cancer cluster.

ABC managing director Mark Scott thanked staff members for their patience and said the new facility would be an "environmentally sustainable broadcasting hub".

South Bank Corporation chief executive Malcolm Snow said the boardwalk project, to begin early next year, would deliver 70 metres of prime riverfront land as a landscaped lawn area.

The site of the planned ABC building had been "underutilised", he said.

The loss of public open space in the area has been a source of tension between the State Government and Brisbane City Council since the South Bank relocation was announced last year. (http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/council-lashes-out-at-auntys-new-home/2008/12/10/1228584918996.html)

The council was unable to reject the development because the South Bank Corporation has its own regulatory provisions.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1223486/ABC-Brisbane-Building-site-plan-600x400.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1223486/ABC-Brisbane-Building-Concept-600x400.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1223486/ABC-Brisbane-Building-Concept-2-600x400.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/1223486/Grey-Street-view-600x400.jpg

Not too shabby.

As someone who has nearly been smooshed by cars and tourist buses in this area countless times, I welcome this new addition.

I really like the idea of having television/radio studios in our performing arts/culture precinct (Even if it's the ABC!!). Its going to be a hell of a lot better than the coach parking the space serves as currently.

I really like the idea of having television/radio studios in our performing arts/culture precinct (Even if it's the ABC!!). Its going to be a hell of a lot better than the coach parking the space serves as currently.

And the problem with the ABC is?

^^

Seconded, what is wrong with the ABC?

Lighten up you two, it's a joke =)

For seven cents a day, it's pretty good!

Here are a few more pics of the Kangaroo Point Redvelopment

http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/PublishingImages/kp_kangaroo_01.jpg
http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/PublishingImages/kp_kangaroo_02.jpg
http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/PublishingImages/kp_venusrising_01.jpg
http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/PublishingImages/kp_venusrising_02.jpg
http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/PublishingImages/kang_point_fig4.jpg
http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/PublishingImages/kang_point_fig6.jpg
http://www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/majorprojects/PublishingImages/kang_point_fig7.jpg

and dont panic the artworks are slated to be on site in that park around august 2010. there is time for them to be swayed by other options, hopefully.

id rather the giant dildo then the bronze kangaroo, only because it looks a smidge less tacky

i love the kangaroo!!! is it just a vision tho?

--

Here...

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,7283097,00.jpg

Public vote on Kangaroo Point sculpture

By Suzanna Clarke
December 11, 2009 12:00am
Article (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26468456-952,00.html)

.QUEENSLANDERS have been invited to vote on a new piece of public art. The result will mean a kangaroo the size of a 10-storey building or an even taller abstract tower will adorn a new park at Kangaroo Point.

"It is only fitting that Queenslanders should be able to have a say in a major work of public art that will be a centrepiece of this beautiful new green space in one of the best locations in our city," Premier Anna Bligh said.

The two designs were selected after an international call for submissions for an iconic $800,000 sculpture for thepark, which will open in January, following the redevelopment of the TAFE college site.

Vote now: Which sculpture do you favour for Kangaroo Point?
The land is being returned to the public as part of the Q150 celebrations.

Irish sculptor Alex Pentek, who designed the kangaroo, is no stranger to oversize sculptures – his giant origami hedgehog won a public poll in County Wexford, Ireland.

He says he decided to use the origami style again as "it's a way of using simple materials skilfully . . . I went to the State Library and researched the name of Kangaroo Point, which was linked with the number of kangaroos in the area."

Wolfgang Buttress, who designed the other option, hails from the UK and creates elegant sculptures that seek to celebrate a sense of place.

He has produced public art in the UK, Europe and the USA and recently won two Civic Trust Awards in the UK.

The winning sculpture will join four other artworks already selected for the park.

They may as well have gotten the stupid kangaroo from the 1982 Commonwealth games and stuck it up there. Save themselves some friggin money.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/20/Matilda,_the_winking_kangaroo.jpg

i get a distinct feeling the kangaroo is going to win out ...

I think Matilda is at Wet and Wild, at least that's the last place that I saw it.

You wouldn't believe the fuss they made about that Kangaroo, particularly when it winked at the Queen.

Here she is cruising William St in Sydney in 1983, the hussy

From Sandown on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7655131@N05/449042264/

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/373/83matildasydney.jpg

i love it, kitsch is v. oz, whether you like it or not. I also like how it will compare with the mormon church. bahaha.

actually surprisingly matilda the kangaroo is now moving to gympie of all places..

http://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2009/11/19/aussie-icons-new-home-matilda-to-call-us-home/

regarding the coloured worms, concepts like this are usually just that - something to show that a piece of public art is going to be incorporated. The artwork would have to be commissioned and likely not turn out anything the concept.

How on earth did they get it down to Sydney?